Tickets... sunscreen... Euros... what else? Parenting expert and child psychologist Dr Pat Spungin, CEO of Raisingkids.co.uk, reminds parents about baby passports - something that's easily overlooked.

Raisingkids member's problem
Our baby is 6 months old, and we're planning in going to Spain at the beginning of September. Will we need to get a passport for the little one or can I add him to mine?

Dr Spungin's advice
Yes, your baby will definitely need a passport - all children, from newborns upwards, must now have their own individual passport. Not only is a passport necessary, your baby will also need to have his or her photo taken.

New guidelines introduced by the UK Passport office on passport photography have led to many parents finding their children's passport applications being rejected. For a full listing of the guidelines applying to babies, children aged up to 5 and children aged between 6 and 11 click here.

When you apply for your baby's passport, you will need to include original document/s proving your child's claim to British citizenship, for example, a birth certificate for babies born in the UK. Some parents will also need to include their own birth certificates and/or marriage certificate.

If you have any queries, your local Passport Office will be able to offer more advice, or you can call Passport Adviceline on 0870 521 0410, where a team of advisors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also visit the UK Passport Service website at www.ukpa.gov.uk. Your baby's passport will initially be valid for 5 years, but can be renewed for a further 5 years at the end of this period. At the age of 16, children become eligible for a standard 10 year passport.

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